Watch: New Hope School ‘rises’ with Calum Scott
The learners and teachers of New Hope School certainly had their ‘best suit on’ and their ‘sleeves rolled up’ during their beautiful rendition of ‘Rise’.
While goosebumps and Calum Scott’s music often go hand-in-hand, New Hope School’s recent rendition of the song – in South African Sign Language – brings one to tears.
Pretoria-based New Hope School caters for learners from diverse cultural backgrounds who have unique challenges, such as cerebral and physical disabilities, traumatic head injuries or specific learning disabilities.
On its Facebook page, the school shared how it brought learners and teachers together to learn how to sign Calum Scott’s song Rise.
The result was beautiful, with the audience singing and signing along. It will not soon be forgotten.
“What an amazing day. And like the lyrics say, may we see each learner ‘rise’ above the obstacles they face,” the school said in a Facebook post.
“Thank you to Monita Bester from Tiny Handz SA Sign Language Training for always being willing to assist us!
“Credit to Calum Scott for this beautiful song!”
The song was performed to raise awareness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). According to Disability Info South Africa, AAC includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants and ideas.
“We all use AAC when we make facial expressions or gestures, use symbols or pictures, or write,” it says on its website.
“People with severe speech or language problems rely on AAC to supplement existing speech or replace speech that is not functional. Special augmentative aids, such as picture and symbol communication boards and electronic devices, are available to help people express themselves. This may increase social interaction, school performance and feelings of self-worth.”
Click the image to watch the school’s performance of Rise:
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